Blog Post #1

Prompt: What concept did you find difficult to understand? How did you approach learning the concept?

The learning theory that I found most difficult to understand was cognitivism, especially the concepts of schema formation and efficient knowledge processing. At first, I was confused about what schemas represented and how learning could be explained by viewing the learner as an information processor rather than through observable behaviour or personal experience. I tend to understand concepts better when I can see the “big picture,” so cognitivism’s focus on efficiency, focusing on the most relevant information needed to complete a task, initially felt limiting to me. This made it difficult for me to understand how cognitivism could support deep learning.

To better understand cognitivism, I looked beyond the course materials and explored multiple explanations from different perspectives. I watched educational videos and read additional articles that presented the theory in a more applied and practical way, which made it easier for me to understand. By comparing outside resources with the course readings, I began to recognize common themes, such as the idea that schemas are organized mental frameworks that help learners interpret new information by connecting it to prior knowledge. I also developed a clearer understanding of the role memory has in cognitivism, as learning occurs when existing schemas are changed or reorganized. Concrete examples also helped me understand, such as retrieval practice, where learners actively recall information from memory. Seeing how retrieval practice improves learning helped me clarify how cognitivism emphasizes mental processing rather than passive exposure to information.

In contrast, behaviourism, constructivism, and connectivism were easier for me to understand because they align more closely with how I personally think about learning. I believe I learn best through direct, hands-on experience with a topic. For example, in my coding courses, I often do not fully understand concepts until I apply them in an assignment. It is through implementing ideas, correcting errors, and creating a finished product that my learning becomes solidified. Behaviourism’s focus on practice and feedback reflects most of the learning experiences I have had, while constructivism’s focus on learning through experiences and context closely matches how I learn best. Connectivism was also easy to grasp, as I believe learning through networks and connections is highly significant. Although cognitivism was the most challenging theory for me to understand, exploring multiple perspectives and concrete examples helped me appreciate its value.

What learning theory did you find hardest to understand/relate to? And why?